CityLife

Memorial concert for revered Ewan MacColl

BACK IN THE DAY: MacColl

THE memorial concert for Ewan MacColl (1915-1989) hopes to be a landmark folk occasion, commemorating the life and work of one of the major architects of the English folk revival.

Far more than a prolific songwriter, folk singer and teacher, MacColl was the founder with Joan Littlewood here in Manchester of the radical theatre workshop movement. He was also a playwright, actor and a passionate supporter of radical causes. 

The concert will also be celebrating the re-issue by Manchester University Press of Journeyman, Ewan MacColl’s vivid and entertaining autobiography.

This new version has been re-edited from his original manuscript, and includes a new introduction by musician Peggy Seeger, his partner for the last thirty years of his life. It was for Peggy that he wrote the unforgettable ‘First Time Ever I Saw Your Face', and she heads the strong evening concert line-up.

Slice of British history

Journeyman brings to life MacColl’s Salford childhood, which had a profound influence on his songwriting, inspiring Dirty Old Town. An entertaining and thought-provoking slice of British history, it will appeal to those interested in the histories of folk music, theatre, radio, left-wing politics and the Manchester area.

Tickets for the evening are priced £10, and can be bought online at www.wegottickets.com, on the door, or through the Manchester University Press office on 0161 275 7746. Ticket holders will also have the chance to purchase Journeyman at a special 50 per cent discount.

Confirmed artists:
Peggy Seeger, Sandra Kerr, John Faulkner, Bob Blair and Brian Pearson,  Jez Lowe, Bob Fox and David Ferrard.

Ewan MacColl Memorial Concert/Book Launch.
Peel Hall, Salford University,
Tuesday, October 27, 7.30pm.